…how’s that for a title, right?! 🙂 A bit of a mouthful, but I wanted to pop in and share some great products I’ve tried lately – what I’d recommend, what I really think about them, and how you might benefit from them, too! I should note that none of these are affiliate links or do I receive any compensation besides product for my review, which is always honest, open and in my own words. All links go straight to the products themselves and not through anything that goes back to me.

So…without further ado, let’s talk about that tan face, shall we?

Vita Liberata’s Trystal Pressed Self Tanning Bronzer

You guys know that I’m from California, and one thing I haven’t been able to shake is my love for the sun. I love being tan and have seen my evolution from a Californian into a Calgarian as I’ve slowly become more and more pale, especially now as we are definitely into fall (which means winter very, very soon). 😉 I jest, but I do like being tan. So when a representative reached out to me to see if I would be interested in trying a self-tanning bronzer, I was definitely interested.

The formula it’s made from interacts with your moisturizer or liquid foundation base to tan the skin for a subtle, gradual building colour, less intense than you see in the photo above (poor bathroom lighting!). When I initially tried it out, I was looking more of a tan, but as I used the product and stepped back from the mirror, I was pleasantly surprised with the coverage because I normally don’t use any foundation or a base. It just makes your skin look smooth all over with a soft glow, and I’m using it a few times a week just for that element even though the tan itself is supposed to gradually build for 5 days. I put it on after I shower and use my coconut oil (that’s my moisturizer!) and it helps me feel a bit more put-together and fresher looking, which I’m sure I’ll appreciate once this baby arrives. It’s simple to use, which is good for a close to zero make-up person like myself. 😉

I love that you can use this not only on your face but also on your body, and felt like I had an extra-beautiful neck when I used it. 😉 Here are the steps – pretty quick and easy, in action via my self-timer in my bathroom (real life!):

Verdict? Super happy with this product, and I’ll continue to use it! The best part is that it’s free from: Parabens, harsh chemicals, perfume / fragrance, alcohol, animal derivatives, petrochemicals, sulphates and silicones. Don’t be expecting a major tan (again, the photos show much more bronze than you’ll see on your own skin), but as a slight bronzer with great coverage that’s organic, it’s a solid product. Check it out here!

BiPro Canada

I also wanted to highlight my partnership with BiPro Canada, because I’m so grateful to have a clean, tasty source of protein as extra fuel throughout my pregnancy – and even before when we weren’t yet pregnant! BiPro’s protein powders clock in at a 97% level of purity, making it one of the purest protein powders on the market. I love that it’s sourced 100% from an all-natural whey protein isolate and contains no other proteins or added fillers (source). There aren’t a lot of US companies/brands that you can purchase without crazy shipping fees to Canada, so it’s awesome that there is now a Canadian division of BiPro. All in all, I’m super grateful to have a company whose products I can trust that has helped pre-pregnancy and definitely throughout the last 8 months to help me keep getting enough protein.

You all know I’m not much of a cook or baker – it’s really not my best attribute – but I do love to sneak extra protein in, especially as lately my stomach tends to fill up fast and I’m still not eating tons of meat. Some simple ways I get quality protein in?

Mixed into oatmeal, especially post-workout. I like the unflavored protein best for this option!

Protein shakes. Classic, right? Not too creative, but it works to eat something tasty, frosty and thick (I like mine like milkshakes and eaten with a spoon!) and so many different flavors to work with. I usually use the chocolate protein for my shakes and always throw a lot of greens into the mix.

Mixed into yogurt with berries, hemp hearts, chia seeds – all good toppings. Easy, quick and packs a nutritious punch!

Do you use protein powder? Any favorite recipes to share to help me out? I’m very happy with my easy and tasty routine, but maybe it’s time I get a bit more creative. 😉

I’m also loving getting my eyelash extensions and love the job that Christine from Pink Petal Esthetics does – if you’re local in Calgary you’ve got to check her out in the NE! You can also find her on Facebook. 🙂

I’d love to hear about some fun new products you’re using or tried and true ones that you swear by. Any fun websites? companies? goods? Link them up and share in the comments below! Have a great start to the week you guys, and I’ll see you around on the Gram and Facebook!